[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8073]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP 
                                COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2005

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC) as it celebrates its 20th 
Anniversary. Since its founding in 1985, the Council has been 
successfully committed to its mission to foster and inspire young 
people to achieve their full leadership potential.
  CYLC has directly impacted over 200,000 young men and women 
representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the American 
territories, and over 100 countries around the world since its 
founding. From the State of Illinois alone, more than 3,000 students 
have participated in at least one of the Council's dynamic programs. 
These scholars are well-rounded in their academic achievements and 
demonstrated leadership abilities.
  The educational programs offered by the council create opportunities 
for leaders of all ages to have a unique experience with each program. 
Beginning with the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) 
and the National Young Leaders State Conference (NYLSC), students are 
challenged to understand their own leadership skills through the 
context of American history and self-evaluation. The National Young 
Leaders Conference (NYLC) and the Global Young Leaders Conference 
(GYLC), provide outstanding young leaders of tomorrow the opportunity 
to meet the national and global leaders of today. During that time they 
explore, question, and discuss critical issues facing all of us.
  The comprehensive curriculum focuses on learning through experience--
simulations, role playing, debate and, most importantly, personal 
interaction among students and today's leaders that fosters open 
dialog, new perspectives, and cultural exchanges. All of these elements 
combine to create an atmosphere of inspiration that energizes young men 
and women to return to their homes, communities, and schools with the 
tools and drive to be effective leaders both today and for many years 
to come. Please join me in congratulating the Congressional Youth 
Leadership Council on 20 years of positively impacting the lives of 
this nation's and the world's future leaders.

                          ____________________